Dekanich Strong in 2-0 Loss to Everblades

Feb 28, 2016

02/28/2016 6:06 PM -

ESTERO, F.L.-The South Carolina Stingrays (32-18-4-2) took two out of three games this week in Florida, but despite 21 saves from Mark Dekanich, the Stingrays fell to the Florida Everblades (35-17-0-2) 2-0 on Sunday evening at the Germain Arena. Kevin Lynch broke a scoreless tie at the 14:56 mark of the third period to earn Florida the victory and snap a five-game win streak for South Carolina.

Despite the loss, Dekanich was the story, making several fantastic saves, including robbing a point-blank chance from forward Gabriel Desjardins mid-way through the second period to keep the game scoreless.

The third period saw the Stingrays awarded a five-minute major power play early in the frame, but the club only managed two shots on Florida netminder Anthony Peters and failed to score. Peters, who earned his second shutout of the season against the Stingrays, made his best save of the game on a breakaway, denying a falling David Pacan with his left pad.

Late in the frame, a great individual effort from Lynch provided the game-winning goal. The forward cut around defenseman Wade Epp and charged to the goal. He chipped a shot over Dekanich's glove to make it 1-0 and score his 14th goal of the season.

Corey Cowick would add an empty net goal at 19:50 to seal the win for Florida, who prevented South Carolina from moving into sole possesion of the top spot in the South Division. Florida sits at 72 points after today's game and South Carolina at 70.

Both teams were 0-for-4 on the power play. The Stingrays were outshot 23-15, with the 15 shots being a season low. Despite the loss, South Carolina is 10-2-1-0 in the month of February.

South Carolina visits South Division rival Atlanta next Friday night at 7:35 p.m. before returning home for the 10th Annual Pink in the Rink presented by Trident Heath on Saturday, March 5 at 7:05 p.m. The evening benefits Share our Suzy, a Charleston-based non-profit organization which allows patients to focus on recovery and not financial stress. The Stingrays will also wear pink jerseys, skate on pink ice and host a postgame jersey auction with proceeds going towards Share our Suzy. 2016 Pink Packs are on sale, including a ticket to the game (best available seating), admission to Hockey 101 and exclusive 2016 Pink in the Rink t-shirt, puck and mini-stick for only $45! $10 of every Pink Pack will be donated to Share our Suzy. PURCHASE A PINK PACK TODAY!